SLEEPING BAGS 

Camping is an activity that takes many pieces of equipment. People that do not camp on a regular basis find that they can often borrow pieces of equipment from other people. One item that is important to own are high quality sleeping bags. I have found that I do not like to let others borrow our sleeping bags. This is an item that is too personal and expensive to let others use.

When we purchased the sleeping bags that we presently own we spent a great deal of time making sure that they would meet our needs. We do the majority of our camping in northern Minnesota. We have found that even during the hottest months the evenings are cool when sleeping out doors. Our previous sleeping bags were lined with flannel. This was a cozy feeling when sleeping, but if they got wet in the rain it took them a long time to dry. Also the flannel bags do not compress down as small as other sleeping bags. The small size is important because of the amount of things that need to be packed for a camping trip. The compact size is especially important to consider if you are backpacking into a campsite. If your sleeping bag takes up too much space you cannot get other important items in the pack. Some people do carry their sleeping bags separate from their packs, but I find it is easier for me to have it inside. Also if it would happen to rain your sleeping bag stays dry in the backpack. When we are camping at a drive up site we make sure that we take along our old bags in addition to the newer ones. It is nice to have extras in case you get rain or if the temperature drops. They also add a second layer of comfort to lie on.

The use of sleeping bags is not limited to camping. We also take our bags along when we go to the family cabin. They are more compact and less time consuming than taking along bedding. At the end of the weekend you can air out the bags and store them instead of having to wash a load of bedding.

Sleeping bags also provide extra sleeping options when you have more guests than bed space. Kids enjoy sleeping on the floor in the bags. I also put one of our older sleeping bags in the trunk of my car during the winter months. In case I would get stranded in a snow storm I would be able to reserve my body temperature for a longer time wrapped in the bag.